Recognition of same-sex unions in Bulgaria
Bulgaria does not recognize any type of same-sex unions. In 2008 and 2009 there were many debates on several national TV stations on the subject with the participation of politicians, religious leaders, gay activists and others individuals. The subjects of same-sex marriage, same-sex registered partnerships, adopting children by same sex couples were discussed frequently over the past one year. As of April 2009, there is a debate about introducing same-sex registered partnerships in Bulgaria. The government has suggested that the National Assembly of Bulgaria (Parliament) should vote in favor of the new Family Code. The new bill was supposed to introduce the registered partnerships.[1][dead link].
However, these unions were not to benefit same-sex couples. However, on July 16, 2008, the commission for protection against discrimination in Bulgaria suggested that the right to registered unions should be extended to same-sex couples as well.[2] Overall, on June 12, 2009, after two years of debating, the new Family code was passed without the section about registered partnership for both same - and opposite-sex couples.[citation needed]
The Constitution of Bulgaria defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman, effectively prohibiting legalization of same-sex marriage.[3]
[edit] See also
- LGBT rights in Bulgaria
- Civil union
- Common-law marriage
- Recognition of same-sex unions in Europe
- Same-sex marriage
[edit] References
- ^ http://parliament.bg/page=app&lng=bg&aid=4&action=show&lid=2133
- ^ "Controversy as Bulgarian Parliament debates new Family Code". http://www.sofiaecho.com/article/controversy-as-bulgarian-parliament-debates-new-family-code/id_32023/catid_66.
- ^ Bulgaria - Constitution
[edit] External links
- "Plea for Bulgaria to Recognize Same-Sex Couples". http://www.lotl.com/default2.asp?Category=310&parentid=51.
- "MEPs Ask Bulgaria to Grant Legal Recognition to Gay Couples". http://www.ukgaynews.org.uk/Archive/08/Nov/1302.htm.
- "Euro MPs have called on the Bulgarian government (sic) to extend civil partnerships to gay and lesbian couples". http://www.tangra-bulgaria.org/news.php?itemid=1480.
- "Give gay couples legal partnerships, MEPs ask Bulgaria". http://www.pinknews.co.uk/news/articles/2005-9572.html.
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